Arkansas Basketball's Billy Richmond Stuns with Breakout SEC Play

Razorbacks coach John Calipari can't believe the sophomore's dominant performances this season.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Arkansas basketball sophomore Billy Richmond has been on a tear this season, helping lead the Razorbacks to a 19-6 record and a No. 21 national ranking. In a recent win over Auburn, Richmond scored 25 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists. After the game, Arkansas coach John Calipari raved about Richmond's breakout performance, saying "How about Billy Goat? This is crazy." Calipari praised Richmond's attitude and unique 6'10" skillset that has allowed him to terrorize opponents on both ends of the floor.

Why it matters

Richmond's standout play has made him a fan favorite in Fayetteville, with Calipari noting that "when he's introduced, people go crazy." If Richmond continues his stellar performance, he could start to garner attention from NBA scouts, providing a boost to Arkansas' program and Richmond's professional prospects.

The details

In Arkansas' 88-75 win over Auburn, Richmond scored 25 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists. Calipari highlighted Richmond's unique combination of size, shooting, and ball-handling, saying "Who's 6'10', can go block shots, rebound, and make threes, and is good with the ball?" Calipari also praised Richmond's attitude and body language, noting that "body language screams" and that "no one wants that teammate" with bad body language.

  • On Saturday, Arkansas defeated Auburn 88-75.
  • Arkansas is next set to take the floor on Wednesday evening for a road game against Alabama.

The players

Billy Richmond

A 6'10" sophomore basketball player for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks who has been on a breakout performance this season, averaging 25 points per game.

John Calipari

The head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team, who previously coached at the University of Kentucky.

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What they’re saying

“How about Billy Goat? This is crazy.”

— John Calipari, Head Coach, Arkansas Razorbacks (Inside Arkansas on X)

“What I love is when he's introduced, people go crazy. It's because he's averaging 25 a game... he may be averaging 10 a game, but this building absolutely loves him, because he just plays hard.”

— John Calipari, Head Coach, Arkansas Razorbacks (Inside Arkansas on X)

What’s next

Arkansas is next set to take the floor on Wednesday evening for a road game against Alabama.

The takeaway

Richmond's breakout season has made him a fan favorite in Fayetteville, and if he continues his dominant play, he could start to garner attention from NBA scouts, providing a boost to Arkansas' program and his own professional prospects.